A K-pop group’s title track isn’t always the best song on their album, even if it’s the one most people will hear. Sometimes, b-sides deserve recognition too. In the singles-oriented world of K-pop, I want to spotlight some of these buried treasures and give them the props they deserve.
Two buried treasures in one day? From the same album?? I’m not sure that’s ever happened on The Bias List, but few albums deliver more than one excellent b-side. I couldn’t wait to write about One By One, but just had to offer my thoughts on Buddy as well.
Is this song a secret ode to the now-defunct GFriend and their grieving fan base? Sadly, I don’t think so. In keeping with Lucy’s energy, it seems more like a simple celebration of friendship. And though Buddy adheres to the electronic influence permeating the entire album, synths are used more sparingly here. Instead, the track thrives on a stomping, rootsy sound.
It also happens to boast one of the best choruses in Lucy’s discography. This is previewed by a pre-chorus that draws upon the same melodic through-line, but plays with the arrangement. I love how most of the instrumentation drops out here to allow the guys’ chorused voices to surge upward. It’s almost gospel-like in its fervor, and when the violin comes in later, it brings a whimsical touch that sounds more like a fiddle.
Then, Buddy crests into its epic hook. This is the kind of ‘belt it out’ singalong made for concerts. Lucy have a gift for writing songs and arrangements that make you feel optimistic and empowered. They’re like a big, musical hug. Sangyeop’s vocals do the hugging here, and he sounds absolutely larger than life. What a rush!
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9 |
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The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Lucy has a lot of defining traits, but I think my favorite is just how warm and sentimental everything sounds. From Sangyeop’s timbre to the sort of bouncy quality all of their non-ballads have to them (said ballads more than make up for it in their own ways), they really seem set on making you feel a very specific way, and it’s worked pretty well so far!
Also! Just in the interest of getting as close to a full album review, about where would you put Wonder? I’d say a good case could be made for it as well.
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If I were rating it today, I’d give it an 8.5. It’s probably my least favorite track on this album, but strong enough to be a buried treasure on so many others. That just shows how strong these four songs are!
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Might as well do a full in-depth album review and do Wonder too, today was the first time i heard their music and dang, these are killer
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Damn, two buried treasures, Rejoice Biaslist statistics nerds as the chosen hour has arrived! This officially provides us with an excuse to ask for multiple buried treasures from now on.
Also, I call it. Veronica is going to be a buried treasure.
All dramatics aside, Nick you have reviewed all but one song on the album. Are you planning on reviewing the last, to complete the album?
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This is my favourite song on the album. The crests surge beautifully at the chorus giving a highly optimistic and warm feel. The prechorus is great. This is made for singing among a large gathering, with all the voices singing along.
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“Lucy have a gift for writing songs and arrangements that make you feel optimistic and empowered. They’re like a big, musical hug.” This! This line perfectly encapsulates the charm of Lucy right here.
This is not my favorite song in the album, I am in the preference of “I Got U” because of it’s Icy atmosphere and invigorating instrumental climax. But “Buddy” is a close-second and something that everybody would favor. Like Nick Said, It’s one big musical hug that makes you instantly happy and giddy and it’s very welcome to the general public. It’s chorus absolutely stomps but in a vibe that feels like the most light-in-your-feet playfulness way ever and Sangyeop’s is incredible dream-like, he weaves through this entire song and absolutely DELIVERS each and every segment he’s on!
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OK, so yes, I hear why everyone is cooing over this whole shebang.
For my taste, I wish the vocal were sung through. As in do all these cool effects, and then add over it all, add in one take the full main lead vocal. It sounds so start and stop, so many different takes, so many different flavors instead of one song. I can hear someone crafting this song one line at a time, copying bits to a minute later, going back and filling in 10 more second here, 5 seconds there, sometime the next morning with a different sounding voice adding another line, copying those to later parts.
And it bugs me.
I mean, Bohemian Rhapsody is crafted from so many pieces, but in the end you can see and hear Freddie Mercury sitting at the piano singing the whole song through with feeling. As a song.
Also, almost certainly a coincidence, but the chorus ascending arpeggio line resembles Mika “Love Today”. Damn, I have to go dig out that CD wherever it is hiding.
‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKctjQYBn3w
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And Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand
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